Workman 'murdered' man by driving van into group

Sam Wilson, 26, died at the scene

A trial has heard a workman spent a day drinking at a series of pubs before murdering a man by driving a van into him.

Zac Newman, 27, killed 26-year-old Sam Wilson when he drove his work van into a group of people in Ilkeston, Derbyshire, in December.

He denies murder on the grounds he did not intend to kill Mr Wilson or cause him serious harm.

He also denies charges in relation to two other men - Sean Cardwell and Daniel Rowley - who were injured by the van.

Christmas drinks

The second day of Mr Newman's trial heard evidence from Brandon Burdett, who worked with Mr Newman.

Mr Burdett said they had been out having Christmas drinks on 15 December, and Mr Newman had driven them between several pubs in a work van.

Prosecution barrister John Lloyd-Jones KC asked him: "Was there any particular reason why you went to The Market [Inn] that night?"

Mr Burdett replied: "For a drink."

Mr Lloyd-Jones asked: "Would it be pre-arranged or anything like that?"

Mr Burdett replied: "For a works drink."

The trial has heard that Mr Newman later drove home to Stapleford, where he was arrested

Mr Newman drove the van into the group of people in the early hours of 16 December, but Mr Burdett had gone home by then so did not witness what happened.

Jurors have been told that Mr Newman had previously been involved in a fight that night with a man called Quinn Raeside, who was also at The Market Inn.

Mr Burdett said he had seen Mr Raeside making sexual advances to a woman called Ellie Beer, who Mr Newman was also said to have been interested in.

"He just grabbed Ellie and dragged her on the dancefloor," said Mr Burdett, describing Mr Raeside's behaviour.

Returned in van

Jurors have been told that Mr Newman and Mr Raeside ended up fighting outside the pub, in Market Place.

Mr Newman was then escorted away by bystanders and went to his van, according to the prosecution, but then returned to Market Place in his van and drove into the group of people.

Mr Newman, from The Crescent in Stapleford, denies the following charges:

• The murder of Samuel Wilson

• The wounding with intent of Sean Cardwell

• The attempted wounding with intent of Daniel Rowley

The trial at Derby Crown Court continues.

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